8 Best Lift Kits for Lifted Tacoma: Top Picks

The best lift kit for lifted Tacoma depends on your needs. The Rough Country 3.5″ Bolt-On Lift Kit with N3 Struts is best for drivers wanting premium performance and maximum clearance on modern Tacomas. The TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit with Upgraded Control Arms excels at serious off-roaders needing comprehensive suspension upgrades. For budget-conscious buyers, the Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit with N3 Shocks stands out with affordable pricing and solid everyday performance.

Choosing the right lift kit means balancing your budget, Tacoma model year, and how you plan to use your truck. Whether you’re a daily driver wanting a slight stance boost or a serious trail warrior needing maximum articulation, there’s a kit here for you.

Quick Comparison Table

1. Rough Country 3.5″ Bolt-On Lift Kit with N3 Struts – Premium Performance for Modern Tacomas

Best for: Drivers with 2005-2023 Tacomas who want the highest lift and smoothest ride quality available.

Key Features:

The Rough Country 3.5″ Bolt-On Lift Kit is the best choice for drivers seeking maximum clearance without sacrificing ride comfort. The integrated N3 loaded struts provide superior damping on both highway and trail, eliminating the need for separate spacers. You get a level stance from front to rear, perfect for running larger tires and tackling aggressive terrain. Installation is straightforward and takes just a few hours with basic tools. This kit backs every purchase with a limited lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind for years to come.

2. Rough Country 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Struts – Best for First-Generation Tacomas

Best for: Owners of 1996-2004 Tacomas wanting a moderate lift with quality shocks and easy installation.

Key Features:

This Rough Country kit is ideal for classic Tacoma owners wanting a balanced upgrade without overdoing the height. The 2.5″ lift levels out factory rake while maintaining comfortable daily driving characteristics. N3 struts and shocks work together to provide responsive handling both on pavement and off-road. Laser-cut rear shackles preserve factory suspension geometry, keeping your truck stable and predictable. Installation requires no cutting, welding, or special tools, making it perfect for DIY mechanics.

3. Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit with N3 Shocks – Best Budget Option

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers with 2005-2023 Tacomas who want a solid 3″ lift without premium pricing.

Key Features:

The Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit offers an excellent value proposition for everyday Tacoma owners. You get a solid 3″ of ground clearance at a fraction of the premium kit price, using aircraft-grade aluminum components for durability. N3 shocks deliver reliable performance on both pavement and light trails, handling daily driving and weekend adventures equally well. The level stance looks aggressive without being extreme, perfect for a balanced aesthetic. Installation is quick and straightforward with basic hand tools.

4. TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit with Upgraded Control Arms – Best for Serious Off-Roaders

Best for: 2005-2023 Tacoma owners planning serious off-road adventures and wanting comprehensive suspension upgrades.

Key Features:

The TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit is built for serious trail enthusiasts who demand comprehensive suspension upgrades. This complete package includes upgraded upper control arms that maintain proper alignment geometry during extreme articulation, plus a differential drop kit to keep your driveline centered. The sway bar relocation kit improves handling dynamics when navigating technical terrain. Extended rear shocks work with the add-a-leaf springs to provide exceptional flex and control. TORCH backs everything with a lifetime warranty plus 5-year shock coverage.

5. Rough Country 3.5″ Suspension Lift Kit for 2024-2025 Tacoma TRD – Best for New Generation

Best for: 2024-2025 Tacoma TRD Off-Road owners wanting maximum lift with modern engineering.

Key Features:

This kit is specifically engineered for the newest generation Tacomas and optimizes the 4th-gen’s advanced suspension design. The 3.5″ lift provides room for larger tires while maintaining the truck’s responsive handling characteristics. Included upper control arms with rugged rubber bushings protect ball joints during aggressive off-road use. The rear track bar bracket keeps your axle perfectly centered for predictable handling over rough terrain. Installation is 100% bolt-on with no cutting or drilling required.

6. TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit – Best Mid-Generation Option

Best for: 2005-2023 Tacoma owners wanting a straightforward 3″ lift with essential off-road components.

Key Features:

TORCH’s mid-generation kit offers a balanced approach to lifting your Tacoma with quality components and practical upgrades. The 3″ front lift combined with 2″ tapered rear blocks creates a functional stance for both daily driving and weekend trails. Differential drop kit and sway bar relocation improve handling stability during articulation. Extended rear shocks work seamlessly with the lift blocks to manage suspension travel. Step-by-step instructions make DIY installation straightforward for backyard mechanics.

7. TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit for 1995-2004 Tacoma – Best for Classic Models

Best for: Owners of first-generation Tacomas (1995-2004) wanting a complete 3″ lift with differential drop option.

Key Features:

This TORCH kit is purpose-built for classic Tacomas and delivers a uniform 3″ lift front and rear. The symmetrical lift gives your older truck an aggressive stance while maintaining proper suspension geometry. Extended shocks and tapered lift blocks work together to manage suspension travel smoothly. Optional differential drop kit keeps your driveline aligned during articulation. Installation follows clear step-by-step instructions, and TORCH’s dedicated customer service team is ready to help with questions.

8. Rough Country 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit with Strut Spacers – Best Budget for Old-Gen Tacomas

Best for: Budget-conscious owners of 1996-2004 Tacomas seeking a modest lift with quality components.

Key Features:

This Rough Country kit is the most affordable option for classic Tacoma owners and delivers excellent value without compromises. The 2.5″ lift eliminates factory rake while maintaining comfortable everyday drivability and handling. Strut spacers paired with N3 rear shocks provide responsive performance on pavement and light trails. Laser-cut rear shackles preserve proper suspension geometry for predictable handling. Installation requires no special tools or welding, making it perfect for DIY projects.

How to Choose the Best Lift Kit for Your Tacoma

Determine Your Tacoma Generation

First, identify your truck’s model year since lift kits are generation-specific. Older Tacomas (1995-2004) need different kits than mid-generation (2005-2023) or the newest 4th-gen models (2024-2025).

Check your owner’s manual or VIN decoder to confirm your exact model year. This ensures you purchase a kit that fits properly and maintains warranty coverage.

Decide Your Desired Lift Height

Consider what ground clearance you actually need. A 2.5″ lift works great for daily drivers, while 3″ to 3.5″ gives you room for larger tires and serious off-roading.

Remember that higher lifts may affect fuel economy and handling. Balance your aesthetic preferences with practical driving needs.

Choose Between Budget and Premium Options

Budget kits like the Rough Country 3″ offer solid performance at lower prices. Premium options include upgraded components like control arms and differential drops for serious trail work.

Think about whether you’ll be daily driving, weekend trailing, or both. This determines whether premium features justify the extra cost.

Check Installation Requirements

All kits reviewed here are bolt-on designs requiring no cutting or welding. However, some include more components that take longer to install.

If you’re doing DIY installation, verify the kit includes clear instructions. Professional installation typically adds $500-$800 to your total cost.

Verify Wheel Compatibility

Important: TORCH kits only fit 6-lug Tacomas and will NOT work on 5-lug models. Rough Country kits work on both, so check your wheel bolt pattern before ordering.

Verify any tire size restrictions with your chosen kit. Most 3″ lifts safely support 33-inch tires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to install a lift kit?

Most bolt-on kits take 4-8 hours for experienced DIY mechanics. Professional shops typically complete installation in 2-4 hours. Complexity depends on how many additional components your kit includes.

Will a lift kit affect my truck’s warranty?

A lift kit itself won’t void your overall warranty, but suspension-related repairs may not be covered if the lift caused the damage. Check with your Toyota dealer about specific concerns.

Do I need to replace my tires after lifting?

Not immediately, but most owners upgrade to larger tires after lifting. A 3″ lift safely supports 33-inch tires, while 3.5″ lifts can handle 35-inch tires depending on your model.

Which kit is best for a daily driver?

The Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit or 2.5″ options are ideal for daily drivers. They provide good ground clearance without excessive height or handling changes.

Can I install a lift kit myself?

Yes, all kits here are bolt-on designs suitable for DIY installation. You’ll need basic hand tools, jack stands, and about half a day. Watch installation videos first to familiarize yourself with the process.

Final Thoughts

The Rough Country 3.5″ Bolt-On Lift Kit with N3 Struts is our top pick for modern Tacomas because it delivers maximum lift with premium comfort and quality.

Your best choice depends on your Tacoma’s model year, budget, and how you plan to use your truck. All eight kits reviewed here are reliable, backed by warranties, and suitable for DIY installation.

Invest in the lift kit that matches your needs today, and you’ll enjoy improved ground clearance, better off-road capability, and a more aggressive stance for years to come.